Systems and methods for an intelligent collection box are provided. Implementations of the intelligent collection box include a processor, a computer-readable data storage system storing program instructions, a weighing scale, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a network interface, and a power generator. The program instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the intelligent collection box to perform operations including identifying keywords spoken by the user. The operations also include authenticating the user using the keywords. The operations also include determining a request for delivery of an item based on the keywords. The operations also include responding to the request for delivery. The operations also include determining a weight of the item. The operations also include determining delivery options for the item using the weight and using delivery information. The operations also include determining that the item has been received by the collection box.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a mail notification system. In accordance with one aspect, a mail notification system, includes an energy emitter device configured to emit energy; a sensing device coupled to the energy emitter device, the sensing device configured to receive the energy from the energy emitter device to produce a sensed signal; a detection device coupled to the sensing device, the detection device configured to detect a transition state of the sensed signal and configured to produce a digital message; and a housing configured to receive one or more mail, wherein the housing houses the energy emitter device, the sensing device, and the detection device.

A secure delivered mail repository comprises a durable cuboid box having an automatically locking and unlocking door capable of being irremovably secured to a surface, emergency illumination and an anti-theft concrete and cable tether. The repository has a digital panel capable of user interface in electrical communication with a power source, a plurality of digital cameras and a plurality of speakers. The repository may be monitored from a user's internet enabled electronic device which is configured to operate in conjunction with a home security system of a user while the illumination means is configured to visually alert a first responder to an adjacent emergency. The repository facilitates the safe and secure delivery of a package mailed to the user by enabling a delivery service to deposit a package within the repository and secure the same therein.

An assembly for accomplishing package transfer to and from a drone. The assembly includes a base supporting at least one extendable member. A package receiving platform is secured atop the member and a control system interfaces the assembly with the drone for issuing a set of command instructions for guiding and positioning the drone relative to the platform and for accomplishing package transfer between the drone and the platform. The command instructions include at least an instruction to elevate the platform at any point prior to package exchange and a subsequent instruction to retract the platform at any point following package exchange. Additional command instructions provide for managing each of pre-exchange and post-exchange of the package, such as for providing secure retention and post-exchange access by the recipient in the instance of a drone delivered and securely retained package.

A mailbox management system includes a server, a client-mailbox store, a mailbox management application installed on a mobile device of a client-mailbox store operator, and a mobile application installed on a mobile device of a mailbox user. The client-mailbox store includes a physical mailbox assigned to the mailbox user, and the server is connected to the mailbox management application, the mobile application, and a third party virtual mailbox provider. The mailbox management application is configured to receive label information of a mail, and the server is configured to receive the label information from the mobile application and send it to the mobile application of the recipient mailbox user. The mobile application is further configured to present an open and scan action option, a forward action option, a shred action option, and a trash action option to the mailbox user concerning the mail.

A drone operated delivery receptacle for receiving packages. The delivery receptacle includes a housing having a base, sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume. The open upper end includes one or more gates that are movable between an open and closed configuration, and are configured to open when a delivery drone is detected by a control unit of the delivery receptacle. Preferably, the one or more gates are configured to automatically open when a drone is detected so as to allow the drone to deposit the package therein. A front wall of the housing comprises one or more doors thereon that allow the user to access the interior volume of the housing to retrieve the package therein.

An apparatus comprising: a retaining device for retaining planar items including mail and/or documents, in which mail can be located and from which mail can be collected; a control means; a sensor means for indicating to the control means information indicative of mail and/or documents having been placed in the retaining device and/or removed from the retaining device, wherein the control means is arranged to cause, in response thereto, at least one action to be performed.

An aerial delivery system includes an elongate member, a cover, a sensor, and a motorized actuator. The elongate member has both a top end and a bottom end, and is configured to receive items, particularly mail and packages, from a delivery means, particularly an aerial drone. The cover is removably attached to the top end of the elongate member, and is configured to allow entry of mail and packages into the elongate member. The sensor is also removably attached to the top end of the elongate member, and is configured to identify the delivery means.

An item drop box sensor system for detecting items deposited within a drop box may be configured to detect movement of an item deposit tray and to detect items deposited within the drop box. The drop box sensor system may comprise one or more tray movement sensors for detecting movement of the deposit tray, one or more item detection sensors configured to detect items passing into the drop box via the deposit tray, and an onboard controller for selectively activating the various sensors to conserve power and for transmitting data indicative of the status of the drop box to a central server configured for scheduling item pickups for various geographically spaced drop boxes.

A parcel detection device for detecting an item in a compartment of a parcel locker, comprising a laser diode for emitting a light beam and a light reflector for reflecting said light beam towards a light sensor for detecting said light beam, said light reflector comprising two square rulers or rods carrying opposite mirrors, a first square ruler or rod carrying a plurality of concave mirrors disposed in front of a flat mirror carried by a second square ruler or rod.